To work as a professional contractor is not an easy job and at ContractorsToday.com we acknowledge it loud and clear. That’s why we’ve gathered the following dash of advice for professional tradesmen:

1. Find and keep customers.

First, decide on your business plan, what your targets and budget are. It’s wise and even a must nowadays to invest in marketing efforts. The old method of a word of mouth is something that might also earn you lots of jobs, however, planning a budget for online marketing, advertising in local media outlets, flyers and business cards is a good idea for increasing the online visibility of your company.

Think about creating your own website and developing a social media presence. For window cleaning business it’s a good idea to create a Facebook profile and keep it active.

2. Grow your business.

In the beginning, you will start with the modest approaches, such as traditional window cleaning using ladders, cherry pickers and chemicals. Each business changes over the years and the competition is high, so it’s worth of thinking about ways to beat the competition. You need to use modern, eco-friendly and safety methods. Always try to penetrate in small niches that will bring your business profit.

For example, you can specialize and invest a capital in a grinding machine. It removes scratches and other stubborn stains like graffiti, paint, plaster, stucco, or any other construction remains.

There are many groups dedicated to one particular trade, say the to Top window cleaning professionals. In such groups you can find jobs, advice, support and more. Research them and join in as many as you can. But also keep an active presence, join discussions and advice people and even colleagues. This is also a form of a free advertising.

Look into business listings and create business profiles. Your online presence is essential because customers will look for services on the Internet and through the Apps on their smartphones. You should be online and your brand, logo and image should be visible and recognizable. Don’t be shy about these forms of interactions with customers, dive into it and see for yourself the immediate effects.

3. Get good insurance.

When you start a business one of the main expense would be a liability insurance. The insurance professionals at MortgageSavingExperts.com advise that no matter whether you work by yourself or you have employees, this is crucial because trades can be dangerous. Working as a contractor can lead to many injuries and accidents, and adding the risk of medical negligence on top, it simply does not worth it. A proper insurance gives your company more credentials and trustworthiness among both customers and partners. There are different insurances but the most important ones include:

Personal accident insurance: it can cover any injuries or even death caused by an unexpected event.

Employers’ insurance: if you hire employees you’re legally obliged to have this one.

Business equipment insurance: this protects your equipment and tools in case of loss, theft or other damages.

Public insurance: it covers you from a customer or other public person who experience a harm as a result of your business.

4. Get proper training.

First, you need to look into the training and qualifications that a tradesman in your niche has to acquire. Investing in your training and in that of your staff, if you are considering running a bigger business, will be repaid in the quality of your work the competitive services you’re offering to the customers and the trust you will build by providing reliability and quality.

Тraining courses are provided by federations, unions and professional qualification providers. Another option is to reach out to business owners of already established companies and ask or apply for a training position/apprenticeship programme and from then on to be able to qualify as an experienced tradesman.

5. Consider health and safety.

Familiarize yourself and comply with all the laws and health and safety regulations that apply for your particular business. If you went through a professional training, then you will already be familiar with all these requirements. According to James, a Glasgow stonemason and bricklayer, if you underestimate and neglect the importance for health and safety precautions, you risk lawsuits and fines that will not only destroy your company but can also destroy

Final remarks

However, if you are on the brink of starting your own business, you need to consider all regulations and laws for practising your job, hiring staff, working with customers and what equipment you should invest in.

Share this entry

https://www.contractorstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/logo-construction.png00Joe Tolmhttps://www.contractorstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/logo-construction.pngJoe Tolm2018-08-29 11:58:112018-08-29 11:58:115 Tips for Professional Tradesmen Working as Contractors